The group unloads their packs from the 'Bug Van' in preparation for the journey ahead. Notable by his absence is Tom, who in a touching show of family values has decided to stay at home and tend to his wife who is experiencing back trouble, and his buzz-saw son Jake. Strangely, Phil apparently has decided that the proposed 40 mile hike is not far enough and has therefore parked as far from the trailhead as possible, a move which he (and the whole group, for that matter) would deeply regret 3 days hence.

It's 5:15pm, Thursday July 25 as the three members, Barry (standing below), Phil (under back hatch), and the author BerrisBob (a.k.a. Scott, not pictured here) set out. A quick stop at the trailhead outhouse, and we were on the trail. Next stop- Barney Lake.